Developing Swiss paraplegic research: building a research institution from the comprehensive perspective.
OBJECTIVE
To illustrate the conceptualization and development of a research institution from the comprehensive perspective based on the integrative model of functioning provided by the World Health Organization's (WHO) International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). The newly founded research institution Swiss Paraplegic Research which focuses on the comprehensive study of spinal cord injury (SCI) serves as an example.


METHODS
Description of organizational development and structure.


RESULTS
The creation of specialized research institutions which develop their core competence from the comprehensive perspective poses unique challenges. It is depicted how these challenges can be met through several approaches. These encompass the identification and specification of a common mission and research goals, the organization of research along distinct scientific fields, the set-up of a respective core competence, and the design of research structures suited to conduct studies of high methodological and organizational complexity. Finally, they comprise the development of a transdisciplinary workforce and the integration into a research landscape which is organized along scientific disciplines and not along interdisciplinary themes.


CONCLUSIONS
The ideas and approaches described in this paper may serve as an example for creating integrative research institutions dedicated to human functioning and rehabilitation research from the comprehensive perspective.
Stucki
Gerold
G
Swiss Paraplegic Research, Nottwil, Switzerland. gerold.stucki@paranet.ch
Reinhardt
Jan D
JD
Cieza
Alarcos
A
Brach
Mirjam
M
Celio
Marco
M
Joggi
Daniel
D
Villiger
Beat
B
Zäch
Guido A
GA
Krieg
Walter
W
D035843:Biomedical Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D006801:Humans; D010264:Paraplegia / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D010560:Personnel Selection; D012108:Research Personnel; D012109:Research Support as Topic; D013557:Switzerland